I see your point, but keeping prices low is equally bad - because folks will buy extra “just because” and it will run out for everyone.
The reflex to raise prices is not out of goodness of their hearts, you are correct there, but retailers will adjust prices to demand (and replacement cost for themselves) as the driving factor.
If I really wanted to buy an AR15, I’d pay the money to get it. I have a feeling they will return to sane prices quickly as folks who bought and stockpiled them will decide to unload their stock.
I think it goes back to basic human nature,get the most that you can for yourself-with the least amount of effort.There are some local merchants that I haven’t bought from and will never buy from in the future,based on they behaved back then.